THE (NO) PUBLIC USE IN PROTECTED AREAS IN RIO DE JANEIRO METROPOLITAN REGION (RJ)

Abstract

Managers and environmentalists are concerning about public use in protected areas in planning and managing natural resources processes. Particularly in protected areas in Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region, mainly in Nova Iguaçu and Mesquita counties, one faces big difficulties to organize and implement recreation and leisure activities due to the lack of adequate infrastructures, in parallel with increasing demand to direct nature contact, escaping from city stress. The present paper is inserted in this context, whose objective is to show visitation characteristics and related practices inside the three main Parks of “Great Rio” region, as to know: Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca and Parque Natural Municipal de Nova Iguaçu. Despite of proximity they differ in physicalbiotics aspects and distinct implementation modes. There are several limitations and difficulties that can be overcame if efficient measures are taken to conciliate controlled leisure and environmental preservation through educational practices. Key words: Public Use. Protected Area. Ecotourism. Recreation. Leisure. Environmental Management.